Description
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Crispy, spicy, and flavorful, these cauliflower bites are coated in a zesty buffalo sauce and perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a guilt-free appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for game days or party snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cauliflower Batter:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for crispier texture)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegan butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until a smooth batter forms. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss them thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the batter.
- Preheat and Air Fry Cauliflower: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket; if needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. The cauliflower should turn golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, whisk together the buffalo hot sauce and melted butter (or vegan butter) in a large bowl. This will be the flavorful coating for the cauliflower.
- Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Once the cauliflower is cooked and crispy, transfer it immediately to the bowl with the buffalo sauce. Gently toss the florets to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Final Air Fry: Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. This step sets the sauce and crisps up the edges further for that perfect texture.
- Serve: Serve your air fried buffalo cauliflower immediately with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot buffalo sauce according to your preference.
- To maintain extra crispiness, serve the cauliflower immediately after air frying.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Optionally add olive oil to the batter for an even crispier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer or Side
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
